SHILLONG:
The United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh, on September 10, said that the party was the only hope for the people of the state.
Speaking at the party’s 25th Foundation Day, Lyngdoh said, “The reality on the ground is very clear, the voice of the people is for UDP, it is up to us as leaders of the party to make a wise decision and we will take it together. In 1998, UDP won 20 seats, now after 25 years, the UDP should get more than 30 seats.”
He said that the popularity of the party had declined as the number of seats fell from eight to six adding that there several reasons for this.
“We have done many surveys and listened to many leaders and in that process sometimes, it might hurt one or two. Please understand that the party is for all,” Lyngdoh remarked.
He recalled the times when Hill People’s Union (HPU) merged with other regional parties to form the UDP.
“UDP, till now, is facing rough weather. We are going to carry out the legacy that past leaders have left for us,” he said.
Veteran leaders like Bindo M Lanong (senior adviser), Jemino Mawthoh (general secretary), Kyrmen Shylla (state youth wing president), Paul Lyngdoh (state working president), and others addressed the gathering on the history, vision, and mission of the party.
He said although the party is yet to declare its official candidates, people from many of the constituencies have come to join its fold which is a good sign for the upcoming elections.
Lyngdoh also reminded that the wave of the UDP has been growing since 2018 when the party was able to win as many as three by-elections held at Ranikor, Shella and Mawphlang constituency.
Stating the need to listen to the voice of the people, the UDP chief said, “If you listen to the voice of the people, you don’t need money (to win elections).”